20 days of gorilla trekking, chimp trekking and game drives safari

This safari offers you an abundance of wildlife, scenery, and cultural experiences. You will explore the Ziwa rhino sanctuary the only place where you will be able to see rhinos in the world. This rhino sanctuary was set up to protect the reestablish the endangered rhino species back into their natural habitat. Your journey will continue to the untouched wilderness of Kidepo valley national park in northern Uganda. It is in Uganda’s second largest and most remote park, but the stunning beauty of this faultless wilderness is very impressive. Enjoy the thundering Murchison Falls in the north of Uganda. This journey will bring you close to nature and culture. You will also visit one of Africa’s wealthiest areas of floral and faunal diversity. The Semuliki National Park has over 400 confirmed species of birds, and 60 mammal species and the two springs are referred to as the male and female springs. This safari will also allow you to visit Kibale forest national park home to over 325 bird species and 1500 chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are visited by travellers for one hour which is the same as gorilla trekking. The Safari will continue to Uganda’s most visited Park- Queen Elizabeth National Park.  It is classified with various ecosystems such as the dazzling lakes, Kazinga channel, extensive savannah, humid forests, and lush wetlands. You will also visit and embark on the world’s most endangered species, the gentle giants at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, you will enjoy your trip to the impala and zebra heartland.

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International airport, you will be met and greeted by our representative who will escort you to your tour vehicle where you will meet your driver/guide. Your driver/guide will brief you and then take you through your trip plan. He will then transfer you to your lodge in Kampala. On the way, you will get your first impressions of colourful life at the roadside. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to jump into the pool or relax at the lodge.

Accommodation options; Serena hotel/ Sheraton hotel (Luxury), Grand imperial hotel/ Protea Hotel (Moderate)

Day 2: Transfer to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary

You will depart from Kampala to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary in northwest Uganda. On arrival, you will go for a little bush hike. You will be accompanied by an experienced ranger on foot through the bush and visit one of the giant rhinos. You should always keep calm. From close up you can observe the otherwise so rarely seen magnificent animals.

Accommodation options; Amuka safari lodge

Day 3: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park

After breakfast, you continue north to the Kidepo National Park. On well developed

Roads drive you right again and again with a view of the Nile to Lira. Here you have the opportunity to visit the market. We continue through small villages and towns to the south side of the Kidepo National Park.

Accommodation options; Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Savannah lodge (Moderate)

Day 4: Full-day game drive

Today you start early for your first game drive in the Kidepo National Park. The National Park has a great variety of animal species of which 28 of them do not occur in any other Ugandan park. Most of the game drives can be along the Narus Valley, as the park’s wildlife can be seen here almost all year round. Here you have the opportunity to see the animals up close.

Accommodation options; Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Savannah lodge (Moderate)

Day 5: Full day at Kidepo Valley National Park

Today there is the possibility of another Game drive or you can explore the savannah on foot. Accompanied by an armed tour guide you dare to venture along dry river beds, over rocky climbs and through bushland to track the local wildlife. Most of the walks take place in the Lamoj- Mountains instead, only a few kilometres away from the headquarters of the park. This area is located in the Narus Valley, a first-class observation area for the animals.

Accommodation options; Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Savannah lodge (Moderate)

Day 6: Transfer to Murchison falls National Park

After breakfast, you will continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. You will drive through the Karamoja nomadic area, visit one of their villages and get an insight into the way of life of these many centuries-old tribes. You can reach Murchison Falls Park via the northern approach road and take the first game drive on the way to the Nile ferry. After you have crossed the Nile you come to your lodge and enjoy the view of the river.

Accommodation options; Chobe Safari Lodge/ Baker’s Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba lodge/ Murchison River lodge (Moderate), Red Chili Rest Camp (Budget)

Day 7: Game drive and boat cruise

Early in the morning, you start your first game drive through the beautiful Murchison National Park. The Vegetation is characterized by savannah and floodplain forest and the shores of Lake Albert and the Nile are covered with reeds. You can see lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, Cow hartebeests, Oribis and the typical Uganda Kobs. In the afternoon you undertake a boat safari on the Nile. Past crocodiles, hippos and water birds, you drive to the famous waterfalls (Murchison Falls). If you like you can get out of the boat a few meters before the gorge and the approx. 1-hour hike to the upper course of the river begins. Of course, you can also return by boat. Enjoy the spectacular view of Africa’s longest river, look how it plunges 43 meters into depth.

Accommodation options; Chobe Safari Lodge/ Baker’s Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba lodge/ Murchison River lodge (Moderate), Red Chili Rest Camp (Budget)

Day 8: Transfer to Semliki National Park

Today you start after breakfast in the direction of Semliki National Park, the journey goes along Lake Albert, and you will come to Hoima and Fort Portal where you will have the opportunity to shop at the market. Late In the afternoon, you reach your lodge in the Semliki national park.

Accommodation options; Ntoroko game lodge (Moderate).

Day 9: Game drive

Today you have the opportunity to have a Game drive at Semliki NP. The forest is home to 53 mammals, 27 of them big mammals. These included the rare pygmy antelope and two flying squirrel species, as well as forest elephants and buffalos. Along the Semuliki River, you can find hippos and crocodiles.

Accommodation options; Ntoroko game lodge (Moderate)

Day 10: Full day at Semliki National Park

The Semliki National Park, with its unique primate species, and numerous bird species, allows you to go hiking and nature walks, game drives, wildlife watching and bird watching. One of the main attractions of Semliki Wildlife Reserve is the Hot Springs. A short-guided walk from the Sempaya Information Centre takes you to the hot springs in Sempaya. This place has its largest up to 2m high geyser spouts from a low salt sculpture opening. Be careful with the water coming out of the hot spring, which has a temperature of more than 100 degrees. On your way to the hot springs through a forest section, you will encounter the very common red-breasted monkeys, grey cheek manes and black and white colobus monkeys as well as interesting birds such as the Forest Hornbills, Blue-Breasted Kingfisher, Red-Rumped and Yellow-Throated Tinker Birds.

Accommodation options; Ntoroko game lodge (Moderate)

Day 11: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

You will leave the game park in the direction of Fort Portal. And in about two hours you will reach the city, the centre of western Uganda. Here you have the opportunity to shop at the market or visit a cafe. After a short while, you will proceed to Kibale Forest National Park.

Accommodation options; Ndali lodge (Luxury), Kibale Forest Camp/ Kibale Guest Cottages (Moderate)

Day 12: Chimp tracking & transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP

After breakfast, you will start your chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. The Forest has the highest number of primate species worldwide. In Uganda, there are about 5,000 chimpanzees in the wild; your tour will start in the morning with an experienced guide. There is no guarantee that you must see chimpanzees because they live in the wild. However, your guide will do his best to make sure that you see these wonderful animals. There will be an exhausting hike through the dense bush which is exciting and the end of the day. In addition to the countless tropical birds in the forest, there are also different species of monkeys like the colobus monkey. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodation options; Katara Lodge/Mweya safari lodge (Luxury), Kasenyi Safari Camp/Ihamba Safari Lodge (Moderate), Simba safari camp (Budget)

Day 13: Game drive & boat cruise

Today you will go for a game drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is located at the foot of the majestic Ruwenzori Mountains, directly on Lake Edward and Lake George. The lakes are crossed by the Kazinga Canal. Here you will see various animals like lions, buffalos, hyenas, Kobs, antelopes and many other animals. After lunch, you will go on a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. You will see hippos and crocodiles and the impressive birdlife up close.

Accommodation options; Katara Lodge/Mweya safari lodge (Luxury), Kasenyi Safari Camp/Ihamba Safari Lodge (Moderate), Simba safari camp (Budget)

Day14: Transfer to the Ishasha Sector

In the early morning, with the cool morning breeze, you will go for another game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park especially the elephant population with about 3000 animals is impressive. Around noon you drive further south into the Ishasha region. There you will observe the lions climbing on trees. There are also other large cats such as leopards.

Accommodation options; Ishasha wilderness Camp/Ihamba Safari Lodge (Moderate), Bush lodge (Budget)

Day 15: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today you start your journey to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The route continues via Kihei on winding roads to the Bwindi. There you will see Observe the extinction of endangered mountain gorillas and thus contribute to the protection of these unique animals to do. Since the gorilla groups are accessible for tourism, the stocks have recovered significantly. Every family is carefully guarded and your names like Otaka, Elsa or Nyakina will soon be known to you.

Accommodation options; Chameleon hill lodge (Luxury), Four Gorillas lodge (Moderate)

Day 16: Gorilla Trekking

Today you will experience one of the highlights of your Uganda trip! In the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you can visit both mountain gorillas as well as chimpanzees. This forest is the only one in Africa that can offer this. As you walk along the wooded slopes, twisted vines and bamboo plants in the densely overgrown jungle you will learn a lot about the fascinating giants. The experienced guide will give you Show traces of previous activities of the gorillas. For example, nests, manure and nibbled Bamboo shoots. Then you will suddenly be able to see the strong, almost human-looking mountain gorilla face each other! You can observe how the animals go about their daily activities undisturbed. Be particularly quiet and avoid jerky movements. Enjoy these unforgettable moments with the gorilla group.

Accommodation options; Chameleon hill lodge (Luxury), Four Gorillas lodge (Moderate)

Day 17: Explore Lake Mutanda

Today you have the possibility for a 6-7-hour excursion; you start with a boat trip on Lake Mutanda, make a hike in one of the surrounding villages, and visit the locals and experience a lot about the lives of the villagers. Alternatively, you can book a canoe trip on the lake or simply enjoy the day at the lodge.

Accommodation options; Chameleon hill lodge (Luxury), Four Gorillas lodge (Moderate)

Day 18: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Today after breakfast you drive to Lake Mburo National Park. The route takes you along well-maintained mountain roads, where you can enjoy views of the green valleys and Lake Bunyonyi with its 19 islands. In the afternoon you reach your lodge at Lake Mburo NP, the second smallest National Park in Uganda. Numerous Rocks and hills alternate with small valleys. You take a game drive; typical for the park are the zebras and antelopes along with long-horned Ankole cattle. Besides These animals, we also see Impalas, reedbucks and waterbucks.

Accommodation options; Mihingo Lodge (Luxury), Rwakobo Rock (Moderate), Eagles nest/ Leopard’s rest camp (Budget

Day 19: Game drive and Boat cruise

On this day, you will have an early breakfast and prepare to go to the park for the morning game drive. At exactly 7:00 am you will start searching for animals such as the eland, topis, impalas, zebras and many more with a chance to see the colourful beautiful birds in the evening flying to their resting places.

After lunch, you will be driven to the lake to meet your captain of the day who will take you for a two-hour boat excursion. Lake Mburo boat cruise is an opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, water birds such as an African fish eagle, and the rare African fin foot. Many animals such as buffaloes and antelopes gather here to drink some water so there is an opportunity to enjoy wildlife, especially marine animals.

Accommodation options; Mihingo Lodge (Luxury), Rwakobo Rock (Moderate), Eagles nest/ Leopard’s rest camp (Budget

Day 20: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport

Depending on your departure time, you can relax in Carpe Diem or visit the Botanical Garden in Entebbe (optional). If you are departing in the evening, you can also take a boat trip to the Mabamba Swamp where you will have the opportunity to see the diverse bird life and with a bit of luck find the prehistoric shoebill stork. (Optional). The driver will bring you in time for your departure or your connecting program.